Hot off the Grill - Wild Card Weekend Preview

It's finally here, the NFL's 32 teams have whittled themselves down to the final 12. Who are the favorites going in to Wild Card Weekend? Will the red-hot teams continue their form, or will we at RSS buck the trend of the Week 17 results? What are our thoughts on the latest coaching carosel? Follow me to answer your quest for knowledge!

Big Kielbasa's Game Of the Week - Philadelphia (11-5) @ Dallas (11-5) - Sat 8:00pm

-While the Cowboys have placed their December blues behind them, they'll need to win in the postseason to put images of the recent past (like Tony Romo's blunder above) behind them. At first glance, what matchup could possibly favor the Cowboys more? They just destroyed the Eagles at home in the last week of the season in a game both teams wanted to win. But, historically Andy Reid and Donovon McNabb have proven time and again they can raise their game in the postseason. And taking last week's one-sided affair out of the picture, these two teams are statistically even. The difference will be the revival of the Dallas running game. With Marion Barber and Felix Jones both healthy, they provide a 1-2 punch that is absent in the Philly backfield. In the end, the Cowboys are able to notch their first postseason win since 1996, but just barely. PICK - Cowboys

Beer Brat's Spotlight Game Of the Week - Green Bay (11-5) @ Arizona (10-6) - Sun 4:40pm

The second of three Week 17 rematches occurs in the desert between Green Bay and Arizona. Not surprisingly, Packer hysteria has swept the country as it seems everyone and their grandmother is picking the Packers to win at Arizona, and then to go farther. But, take off those cheese-stained glasses just a second and look at last week again. Did Green Bay beat Arizona with Kurt Warner at QB? No. Did Arizona have anything to play for last week? No. Does Arizona have an even better defense and running game than last year when they went to the Super Bowl? Yes. So even though the Pack are the hottest team in the NFC, the Cardinals are the ones who've been here before.- PICK-Cardinals

Chorizo's Upset Of the Week - Baltimore (9-7) @ New England (10-6) - Sun 1:00pm

-A week ago, this matchup would have been an easy one, the Patriots coming in the #3 seed with an improving defense, poised for another deep run. Then, Wes Welker blew out his knee in Houston. Some will say Welker's mini-me, Julian Edelman, can pick up right where Welker left off. Umm, against the Ravens? Somehow I doubt it. Don't forget how well the Ravens played the Pats in Foxboro on Oct. 4, losing 27-21. And since that early season contest, Baltimore's stud RB Ray Rice has become one of the top dual-threat weapons in the league. Even though these are the Patriots, and Belichick and Brady can never be counted out, this team is a shadow of its former self...especially on defense, and especially without Welker. PICK-Ravens

Andouille's Under the Radar Game - New York Jets (9-7) @ Cincinnati (10-6) - Sat 4:30pm

-The final Week 17 matchup pits the Jets against the Bengals. Last week the Jets thumped the Bengals to earn their final playoff spot. But, once again, it was hard to tell how much the Bengals put into the game, even though many of their starters played the entire game. Although, keep in mind the Bengals played without leading rusher Cedric Benson (I know, I can't believe I just typed that sentence either). The way Rex Ryan tells it, his team is on par with his Daddy's '85 Bears. Those of us who aren't drunk off of our own quotes in the newspaper realize the Jets are the luckiest team to make the playoffs in history! The Jets are like the annoying cousin you have to invite to your wedding, and you just can't wait for them to leave so the adults can have a good time. Well, thanks to the "Sanchize" throwing more INTs, the Jets won't be around after this week. The Bengals have been through too much this season to be dumped in the first round by the Jets. PICK-Bengals

Extra Toppings -In our extra toppings segment, we'll give you our unbiased take on the latest coaching moves in the NFL.

-Buffalo: To nobody's surprise, the Bills are one of many teams starting over to attempt to lure a big name coach, specifically Bill Cowher. If you were Cowher though, why settle for the Bills' job? With or without TO, there is next to no elite talent anywhere on this team. Expect Cowher to wait and the Bills to settle on the latest hot coordinator desperate for 1 of 32 jobs.

-Carolina: Carolina may have made the smartest decision of anyone by keeping Jon Fox for another season. Don't be surprised to see the Panthers get off to a good start after getting healthy and not having a turnover machine at QB, or Fox staying in Carolina with a new contract.

-Chicago:

Somehow, Lovie Smith saved his job, only at the expense of his two coordinators, Ron Turner and himself. If the Bears can't find someone to give Lovie some fresh ideas on defense and who can stand up to Jay Cutler's pouting on offense, Da Bears are in real trouble. If they don't make the playoffs next year, expect a complete housecleaning from top to bottom.

-Cleveland: Much to the chagrin of many Browns fans, the Mangenius will get another year under new football czar Mike Holmgrenn. In the end, the right choice was made to give Mangini a chance to build on the Browns 4-game winning streak. Maybe in the offseason, Holmgrenn can introduce the forward pass to Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson?

-Houston: Another team smart to stand pat were the Houston Texans. Although they've been maddeningly inconsistent under Gary Kubiak, they finally did break the glass ceiling to finish at 9-7. Another year of improvements, and the Texans should make the playoffs. If not, Kubiak will undoubtedly hit the bricks.

-Kansas City: Perhaps the Chiefs are having the most intriguing offseason by trying to reunite Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennell as offensive and defensive coordinator. Somehow, this feels like Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr getting together to have a Beatles reunion without Lennon and Harrison...it just won't work unless the whole band is there. And in this case, Todd Haley isn't quite capable of filling the shoes of the Hoodie. While these moves look nice to fans, they'll be worth 1-2 wins, max.

-Oakland:

God only knows what Al Davis will do with poor Tom Cable? Will Cable stay? Will Al try to hire a relative? Will Al try to rehire Lane Kiffin or Art Shell, thinking neither have gotten an NFL coaching chance? Will JaMarcus Russell be named player/coach? It's scary, but each of these is a realistic possibility?

-Seattle: The most shocking news is Pete Carroll jumping back in to the NFL replacing Jim Mora Jr. after only one season. First, it's a surprise Mora only got one year, considering the Seahawks are in rapid decline. Second, the Seahawks have made a mockery of the Rooney Rule by "interviewing" Vikings D-coordinator Lezlie Frazier, who deserves better. Third, their decline is all the more reason why it's a stunner that Carroll would leave USC for this job. Why not wait, like Bill Cowher, for a better spot to land in the NFL? Undoubtedly, there has to be more to the story. Maybe Pete's USC empire was finally starting to crumble around him after allegations against Reggie Bush and Joe McKnight are reaching a head? Maybe he couldn't put up with not winning the Pac 10? Whatever the case, you can bet Colin Cowherd will either be dressed in a black veil or a Steve Largent jersey all next week!

-Washington:

Last, but not least, we have the Redskins and their hiring of Mike Shanahan. On paper, it's a completely logical move, but on paper you also realize he's going to coach the Washington Redskins. Skins fans expecting a revival of the Elway dynasty should remember the mediocrity Shanahan finished with in Denver. And those teams had wayyyyy more talent than these Redskins. Unless Jason Campbell becomes a Pro Bowl QB overnight, it looks like Washington is still a couple years away from making it back to the postseason.

Randall's Got His Eye On You...Everyone, it's the playoffs, duh!

That's it for our Hot off the Grill Preview. Stay tuned for our latest updates on the NFL Playoffs and as our coverage of the hardwood kicks into full gear! Until then, enjoy the pigskin, and bye for now!

Hot Off The Grill Thanksgiving Extravaganza

Since it's the day before Thanksgiving, we thought we would give you a special Hot Off The Grill Preview for the action surrounding the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. We'll not only look at the games of the gridiron, but the hardwood and beyond as well. Also, for our Extra Trimmings segment, we will bring the entire family together as Yard Yoder takes some time from his wildly successful Wizards blog (see link at left) to join us and talk about which sport we're most thankful for on Thanksgiving. So grab the turkey, the pumpkin pie, and follow me before the tryptophan sets in!

Turducken's Game Of The Week: #2 Alabama @ Auburn Friday afternoon (CBS)

-The Iron Bowl is one of the most underrated rivalries in college football and it will take center stage on Friday with Alabama's national title hopes on the line at hated rival Auburn. Bama is coming off of their November exhibition win against I-AA Chattanooga while Auburn has had a good but not great 7-4 season and coming off of a loss between the hedges at Georgia. Auburn has undergone some major changes in recent years, but the hiring of Gene Chizik seems like it may not be the nightmare that fans and pundits (like Charles Barkley) envisioned in the offseason when he came from Iowa State.

Auburn has won 6 of 7 Iron Bowls, but Alabama won last year and are heavy, heavy favorites to win again this season. The Bama offense with Heisman frontrunner Mark Ingram will look to run all over an Auburn D that is 88th against the run. Of course, in rivalry games you should expect the unexpected, but you would be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks that Auburn can pull the upset. I'm hoping for a competitive Iron Bowl because the rest of the Friday afternoon schedule is rather subpar. PICK - Bama

Pumpkin Pie's Spotlight Game: Giants @ Broncos Thanksgiving Night (NFL)

-This game, while not the traditional Thanksgiving clash, is without doubt the game with the most significance in the NFL on Thursday. The Giants got a huge home win against the Falcons last week to boost their Division and Wild Card chances. The Broncos are now out of the lead in the AFC West for the first time this season and need a win in the worst way. The defense and Elvis Dumervil haven't exactly been lighting the world on fire and last week 2 offensive stars in Marshall and Moreno were getting into it on the sidelines. Denver will put up a better fight than last week, but the Giants will still get the road win. PICK - Giants

Cranberry Sauce's Upset Of The Week: Nevada @ #6 Boise State Friday Night (ESPN)

-Boise is unfortunately running last in line amongst college football's unbeatens. While most figure they'll run the table and then get screwed out of a BCS birth, we always pride ourselves with unconventional thinking at RSS! And, we've been on the bandwagon of Colin Kaepernick and Luke Lippencott for what seems like an eternity now. With Boise rolling, Nevada has quietly won 8 straight scoring over 55 per game and leads I-A in rushing yards per game. This one could replicate the 69-67 4OT classic that we saw 2 years ago with Boise winning on the blue turf, but this time Nevada comes out on top. PICK - Nevada

Stuffing's UTR Game of The Week: Magic @ Hawks Thanksgiving Night (TNT)

-While we think of Feast Week in college ball as the main event of the hardwood during Thanksgiving (Maui Final: Cincy v Gonzaga tonight), the best individual basketball game over the next three days takes place on Thanksgiving Night in the NBA. And... it's between Orlando and Atlanta?! Yes, who would have thunk that? These two teams are tied for the best record in the league at 11-3. The Magic have been incredibly balanced with 6 guys averaging more than 10 ppg, while the young Hawks have a lot to be happy about, especially the 17 ppg off the bench from ex-Knick Jamal Crawford alongside the star power of Joe Johnson. This is a bigger game for Atlanta than Orlando early on in the season, take the Hawks at home. PICK - Atlanta

Drumstick: Tony Romo (QB-Dallas)

-Romo usually always struggles in the big games... but not so on Thanksgiving. Of course, Commish Goodell has done him some favors in recent years. The Cowboys have won 3 straight on Thanksgiving averaging 35.3 points per game in those contests. And, even though the Raiders are coming off of a win on Thanksgiving, I don't really think they'll pose a problem for the Boys on Thanksgiving. By the way, this will be Bruce Gradkowski's 2nd Thanksgiving start in 4 years. What's next... JaMarcus Russell starting a Super Bowl? When I tell my kids about Thanksgiving Day Football traditions... I'll surely be telling the stories of the great Gradkowski, my kids will hate me some day.

The Trimmings: What Are You Most Thankful For?

Mr Yoder I - College Football

While Thanksgiving Day and the NFL is the big tradition this time of year, I look forward to College Football more than anything else. My favorite childhood memories are putting up the Christmas Tree the day after Thanksgiving while watching great rivalry games like Texas v Texas A&M and Nebraska v Colorado. The weekend also features Florida v Florida St, the Iron Bowl, and many more. Rivalry games are what sets college football apart from every other sport on the planet and you get more of them here than at any other time in the year. Plus, when games like the Iron Bowl have national title implications, it only makes it more special. Would you rather watch the Lions lose and a boring Cowboys win, or Mark Ingram and Ndamukong Suh this Thanksgiving?

Yard Yoder - College BBall

While thanksgiving is traditionally paired with football, personally I am most thankful for the great college basketball that goes on around thanksgiving year after year. It is that time of the season where pre-season rankings are brought into question, and match-ups which you’ve always wanted to see become a reality. It is a time before conference play begins, and a time where coaches load their schedule strength against other powerhouses. What does that mean for us? Great game after great game. Just look at all the tournaments that go on in beautiful places like Orlando, Maui,Puerto Rico, and Cancun. Football may be tradition, but college basketball is my favorite pastime on Turkey Day.

Mr Yoder II - NFL

Well first, I'm thankful to be graced with the presence of Yard Yoder at Thanksgiving...It's always great to be with family this time of year. The thing I'm most thankful for in sports is, of course, the tradition of the NFL on Thanksgiving Day. It's a time when most fans can sit back and be thankful they aren't fans of the Detroit Lions! And you don't have to worry about that food coma you'll slip into, becuase by the time you wake up, the Lions aren't playing any more! At least the NFL has tried to give us some competition with the primetime game on NFL Network...maybe a sign of things to come with getting the Lions off of Thanksgiving every year. You can schedule a competitive game for the Cowboys any time too, Commish.

Randall's Got His Eye On You... Josh McDaniels

-The little genius went through the worst offseason that any rookie coach in the history of western civilization. He alienated his Pro Bowl QB, dealt with his star WR being a malcontent, and had Kyle Orton leading the brigade. Then via some miracle, he turned into a genius when he started 6-0. McGenius was all the rage for the first 6 weeks of the season. Now, at 6-4 the Broncos are going back down on the roller coaster that has been their 2009 season. McDaniels showed some panic mode coaching last week inserting Kyle Orton after a quarter against San Diego. Now, they need a win on Thanksgiving Night to save their season. Against an equally desperate Giants team, that may be a tall turkey day order.